WASHINGTON, DC – International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE) International President Matthew D. Loeb recently traveled to Washington D.C. to meet with key federal legislators and advocate for the legislative priorities of IATSE members and the broader entertainment industry workforce. During his trip, President Loeb met with the following elected officials:
- Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (NY)
- House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (NY-08)
- Congressman Pete Aguilar (CA-33), Chair of the House Democratic Caucus
- Congressman Ted Lieu (CA-36), Vice Chair of the House Democratic Caucus
- Congressman Dan Kildee (MI-08)
- Congressman Mark Pocan (WI-02)
- Congressman Brendan Boyle (PA-02)
- Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal (WA-07)
- Congresswoman Lucy McBath (GA-07)
- Congresswoman Deborah Ross (NC-02)
- Congresswoman Sydney Kamlager-Dove (CA-37)
- Congressman Maxwell Frost (FL-10)
During these meetings, President Loeb discussed critical issues affecting IATSE members, educated lawmakers on developments in the entertainment industry, and garnered support for the IATSE Federal Issue Agenda. He emphasized the importance of advancing legislation that: protects our right to organize; expands our collective bargaining rights; defends our pension funds and health care benefits; enforces strong copyright protections to protect creative content; preserves and expands federal funding for the arts; expands job opportunities in our industries; and advances equity, diversity, and inclusion.
“I take seriously the responsibility of meeting with policymakers to discuss the pressing concerns of IATSE members and the entertainment industry as a whole,” said President Loeb. “These meetings were productive and demonstrated a shared commitment to fighting for workers’ rights and ensuring the continued growth and success of the entertainment industry. I look forward to a return trip in the near future.”
“Working to elect pro-worker candidates is only half of the picture. We must finish the job by constantly holding the lawmakers elected to represent us accountable by advocating for pro-worker policies,” he added.
IATSE will continue to work closely with elected officials to advocate for the rights and well-being of its members, ensuring that their voices are heard and their needs are addressed at the highest levels of government.